Rock On wins at Wanganui
Photo: Race Images
Awapuni trainer Gary Vile is pondering the most economical path to Auckland for the country's Blue Riband three-year-old event in March.
He has the Gr.1 BMW New Zealand Derby in his sights for Rock On, but is mindful of spending the least amount of time on the road.
"I have to work out a plan to get there without too much travel," Vile said.
"I want him to have a look at Ellerslie so he will definitely start in the Avondale Guineas. It's tricky finding the right races being here in the central districts."
Rock On dashed his chances of earlier success by missing the jump in his first three appearances.
He was again slow to move two runs back before he got home strongly over a mile to run second to Nicoshine, who has since won a Rating 65 event on a Premier day at Awapuni.
Rock On then broke his maiden at Wanganui last week in his first outing over a middle distance.
"He's always showed a lot of talent and that he was going to be a stayer," Vile said.
"I stepped him up over ground a bit sooner than I wanted to, but I couldn't afford to miss Wanganui if he's to get to the Derby."
Vile said Rock On was still a work on progress and he would continue to hone his manners with further racing.
"He ran in on straightening up at Wanganui, but Johnathon (Parkes) said he got there a bit too soon and he was looking around," Vile said. "It's all a learning curve for him and he is improving."
Rock On is raced by a syndicate that includes his co-breeders Wellfield Lodge, the Palmerston North home of the gelding's sire Road To Rock. – NZ Racing Desk.
He has the Gr.1 BMW New Zealand Derby in his sights for Rock On, but is mindful of spending the least amount of time on the road.
"I have to work out a plan to get there without too much travel," Vile said.
"I want him to have a look at Ellerslie so he will definitely start in the Avondale Guineas. It's tricky finding the right races being here in the central districts."
Rock On dashed his chances of earlier success by missing the jump in his first three appearances.
He was again slow to move two runs back before he got home strongly over a mile to run second to Nicoshine, who has since won a Rating 65 event on a Premier day at Awapuni.
Rock On then broke his maiden at Wanganui last week in his first outing over a middle distance.
"He's always showed a lot of talent and that he was going to be a stayer," Vile said.
"I stepped him up over ground a bit sooner than I wanted to, but I couldn't afford to miss Wanganui if he's to get to the Derby."
Vile said Rock On was still a work on progress and he would continue to hone his manners with further racing.
"He ran in on straightening up at Wanganui, but Johnathon (Parkes) said he got there a bit too soon and he was looking around," Vile said. "It's all a learning curve for him and he is improving."
Rock On is raced by a syndicate that includes his co-breeders Wellfield Lodge, the Palmerston North home of the gelding's sire Road To Rock. – NZ Racing Desk.